If you are 45 or older, and you have no family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, ask your primary care provider to place an order for a colonoscopy screening, or order a FIT test that you can do at home. If your FIT test is abnormal, you will need to schedule a colonoscopy.

If you have high any of the following, you should continue to have colonoscopy exams for screening or monitoring over time (starting at age 45 at least, and maybe younger depending on your personal and family history):

• A family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps
• A personal history of colon polyps, Ulcerative Colitis, or Crohn’s
• A personal history of colorectal cancer
• A genetic condition for high risk colon cancer and colon polyps (such as Lynch Syndrome)

Please connect with your primary care or colonoscopy provider to schedule a colonoscopy.

Call your primary care provider or go to the nearest urgent care if you have questions or concerns about symptoms such as:

• Rectal bleeding
• Low blood counts (anemia)
• Changes in bowel movements
• Abdominal pain that doesn’t go away
• Unintentional weight loss

Adults age 45 and older should get regular colon cancer screenings, even if you feel healthy. If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, talk to your doctor about starting earlier.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure where a trained specialist uses a thin, flexible scope with a tiny camera to examine the entire colon and rectum.

• You’re comfortably sedated.
• The doctor looks for polyps, inflammation, or abnormalities.
• If polyps are found, they can often be removed immediately, preventing them from becoming cancer.  
• The exam typically takes 20–45 minutes, and you go home the same day.

StoolBased Screening (FIT or Stool DNAFIT)

• These athome tests look for hidden blood or DNA changes associated with colorectal cancer.
• They’re convenient and effective for averagerisk adults.
• Any positive result requires a followup colonoscopy to confirm findings.

Other screening methods

• CT Colonography: A 3D scan of the colon; requires colonoscopy if positive.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Looks at the lower third of the colon. Less common today.

You can schedule online, call your Intermountain provider, or request a referral from your primary care doctor. Our team will guide you through the process.

If your FIT test shows abnormal results, you’ll need a follow-up colonoscopy. Our team will help you schedule and prepare for the next steps.

In addition to the handouts provided on this page, you’ll receive detailed instructions, including dietary guidelines and prep steps. Our team is available to answer questions and support you.

Yes, colonoscopy is a safe and routine procedure. Complications are rare, and our experienced team prioritizes your comfort and safety.

Most commercial plans and Medicare now cover follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool test as part of screening—typically no cost sharing when providers accept assignment. 

Federal agencies clarified in 2022 that follow-up colonoscopy is an essential part of preventive screening. Some plans adopted this immediately; others at renewal.

Our team can help you understand your coverage before your appointment.